The problem is that many computer-illiterates might fall for it when visiting 'Poly. And I sure wouldn't want 'Poly to be associated with gator's criminal business
The problem is also that computer illiterates only use that MSIE they get with their Windows OS and also have it unupdated.
Oh and Ming, there are *other* virus addons for IE that actually bypass the "asking for permission" stage and install new viruses directly into IE just from visiting an infected page.
virus add-ons -> spyware add-ons
Gator and Xupiter aren't viruses. They're just simple spyware. However Gator has even some useful features, despite it's spyware too. None the less you should avoid it.
UberKruX, and anyone else who's interested in locking down your IE security settings, have a look at http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#IESPYAD You can download a file of sitenames of many of the known junkpushers of the net, that get added to your "Restricted Sites" list in IE 5.0 and up. Keep the security settings for your Restricted Zone set to High, and the scumbags can't set cookies or attempt ActiveX downloads at all on your computer. This does not block the ad itself (thus not drawing the ire of site admins), but does save you from harmful side-effects.
The problem isn't only the security settings of MSIE. First of all it's warmly recommended to use some other browser than MSIE due to it's security issues, bugs and limited protection. Secondary it's recommended to use a list of resricted sites as you mentioned, but also use manual controlling of cookies and ActiveX components. However that's still hindering the problem with duct tape as you would have done, not solving the problem on a multilayer level.
Ming is actually right here. Yes, indeed the problem should be solved as said, but it's not only ACS and the advertiser to blame, if it's clear that the software was installed after he accepted the installation of it. Common sense is that you think twice before you click YES in a pop-up window.
FYI: Gator 4.1/4.0 Privacy Statement and EULA
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